Zanetti: ‘No doubt’ Lautaro Martinez has Ballon d’Or chances | OneFootball

Inter vice president Javier Zanetti has ‘no doubt’ that Lautaro Martinez will be among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or, while also crediting coach Simone Inzaghi for making the Nerazzurri a competitive force on the European stage.

The Biscione reached their second Champions League final in the last three seasons after a dramatic two-legged tie against Barcelona. Just like three years ago, when they lost to Manchester City, they’ll now face an opponent who has never lifted the trophy.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale is challenged by Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona which results in referee Szymon Marciniak (not pictured) awarding a penalty to FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

While Zanetti expects a hard-fought and evenly balanced final against the Ligue 1 giants, he underlined how Inter can count on a charismatic leader in Simone Inzaghi and a captain like Lautaro Martinez, who plays with a strong sense of belonging.

Zanetti: Lautaro has ‘what it takes’ to win Ballon d’Or, Inzaghi Inter’s ‘undisputed leader’

“In the semifinal, two teams with very distinct playing styles and different attacking approaches faced each other,” Zanetti told Radio La Red, as quoted by TMW.

“PSG in the final? I think it’s a 50-50 match. They also fully deserve to be in the final. It’s a one-off game and we have to go out there and play our game, hoping to maintain the level we’ve shown in these two semifinal matches.

“Inzaghi is the undisputed leader of this team. He’s been with us for four years and has made everyone very competitive. With him, we’ve reached two Champions League finals in three years. I hoped he would become the coach he is today.

epa12078723 Inter Milan’s head coach Simone Inzaghi gestures as he gives instructions during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

“Lautaro? In the game against Barcelona, he gave everything until he was substituted. He’s important for both Inter and the national team.

“He always gives his best. And there’s no doubt he has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. He’s happy here, he feels valued and important. He has a strong sense of belonging. When you feel comfortable, that helps a lot.”

The Nerazzurri skipper was also considered a potential contender for the prize in the last edition but ultimately finished seventh in the rankings.

Reflecting on the outcome, he admitted he had ‘expected more’, adding that individual awards can be ‘unfair’ at times.

Lautaro Martinez has scored nine goals in 13 Champions League appearances this season.